Victor Oladipo never had his senior day festivities inside Assembly Hall in Bloomington. He left after his junior year, drafted by the Orlando Magic with the second overall pick in 2013.
So Oladipo had his moment Sunday afternoon prior to Indiana’s rivalry game against Purdue. The first 3,000 fans received a commemorative poster of the Pacers guard who is an All-Star while in his first season playing back in Indiana.
Since moving to the NBA, Oladipo has made dozens of trips back to Bloomington, but he had not witnessed a game since playing his last there in 2013. He’s a fan of Archie Miller and what he’s doing, and wants nothing but the best for his alma mater. Yes, he did graduate in three years.
Before the game, Oladipo spoke to the team and “gave them some encouraging words,” he said.
“Something I will never forget, definitely. Just to be able to go back in the hall, see those fans, it definitely was emotional for me. Overwhelming. I was kind of nervous being back in front of those people and being back in that arena gave me the chills. It was just an honor and a blessing for them to treat me like they treated me and to welcome me like they did.”
See Also: Oladipo appreciative of All-Star selection, but not content
Shortly before tip-off, Indiana Director of Athletics Fred Glass presented Oladipo with his No. 4 jersey in a frame and then handed him the microphone to address the 17,222 fans, plus media and workers in attendance.
“They put a mic in my hand I would sing y’all a song but we ain’t got enough time for that.” [laughter]
“First and foremost, I just want to thank everybody for just being y’all. I’m a Hoosier, I will always be a Hoosier. I just want to thank y’all for the years, the three amazing years I spent here. Unforgettable moments in this arena and I’m just glad to be back.
“Let’s go beat Purdue, how about that?”
That quest came up short, 74-67, but it was a great rivalry game we all had hoped to see.
Watch his comments below (via Inside The Hall):
[Photo: @evandestefanophotography]